Universities Australia Chair Professor Deborah Terry said the peak body for the nation’s 39 comprehensive universities looked forward to working collaboratively with Minister Tudge and the Government.

“Universities have enjoyed very productive contact with Minister Tudge in the past and anticipate building on that firm foundation.”

As Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge oversaw international student visa arrangements. During 2020, Universities Australia worked with Minister Tudge to make important changes to student visas, ensuring Australia remains a priority destination for international students as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time, Minister Tudge said “Doing so will not only support the education sector, it will also have flow-on effects for many local communities and businesses, including accommodation services, tourism, hospitality and retail.”

Universities Australia Chair Professor Deborah Terry said Minister Tudge brings wide experience and insight to his new role at an important moment.

“The pandemic has hit Australia hard. Universities Australia looks forward to working with Minister Tudge, ensuring students and future generations receive a world class education.”

“Australia will need even more new ideas, new skills and new jobs to power economic and community recovery. Universities are the engine rooms of that renewal.”

“Universities thank outgoing Minister Dan Tehan for his consultative and highly accessible approach to the sector during a period of significant challenge for universities and the communities we serve.”

“Minister Tehan demonstrated a commitment to ensuring more Australians can access the transformative opportunity of a university education and understood the fundamental importance of our research to national prosperity and recovery,” she said.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with him as Minister for Trade”.